Willie Johnson, 75, Was Co-owner Of Orlando Eatery

Willie Johnson, co-owner of the Southern-style eatery Johnson's Diner in Orlando, died Tuesday. He was 75.

Johnson was a bellhop for Midtown Holiday Inn and for more than 10 years worked with his wife as co-owner of Johnson's Diner, the eatery she founded in 1983.

''He would be out doing the register and talking with the customers while I was in the back cooking,'' said Lillie Johnson, his wife of 43 years. ''The customers got to know him real well. Mr. J, that's what they all called him.''

The diner, on West Robinson Street, is known for its fried chicken, macaroni and cheese, cornbread and fresh collard greens. Charles Barkley of the Phoenix Suns basketball team and Don Nelson, coach of the New York Knicks, are among its most famous patrons.

Born in Wilcox County, Ga., Johnson moved to Central Florida in 1944. He was a member of Carter Tabernacle CME Church.

The cause of death has not been determined, funeral home representatives said.